Oxfordshire libraries offer free blood pressure checks

The offer is part of a health campaign running from September 7 to 13 during Know Your Numbers Week, led by Blood Pressure UK <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
The offer is part of a health campaign running from September 7 to 13 during Know Your Numbers Week, led by Blood Pressure UK (Image: Supplied)
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Oxfordshire locals can get their blood pressure checked for free at libraries across the county.

The offer is part of a health campaign running from September 7 to 13 during Know Your Numbers Week, led by Blood Pressure UK.

Pressure stations will be available at all 44 Oxfordshire libraries, giving people a quick and easy way to check their blood pressure in a familiar setting.

Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for public health and inequalities, said: "High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so the only way to know if your reading is high is to have it checked to lower your risk of serious health issues.

"Our libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces at the heart of communities across Oxfordshire, so they are a natural place to host these free pressure stations.

"This is a completely free and easy way to check your blood pressure, just drop into one of our libraries during the week where teams will be on hand to help.

"It takes just a couple of minutes but could change your life."

The scheme was developed by public health teams and library staff, led by primary care network pharmacy technician and cardiovascular disease champion Alet Ransom.

Ms Ransom said: "I’m immensely proud to have helped bring this project from an idea into reality.

"The aim was always to make it easier for people, whether library users or visitors to the area, to 'know their numbers' and, where needed, take the next step towards looking after their cardiovascular health."

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